Opening the Qur'an: introducing Islam's holy book

1. Risks, perspectives, and understandings

2. Basic narratives for Judaism and Christianity

3. Islam's basic narrative and core positions

4. The setting : reflections on Arabia

5. Times and the messenger

6. The origin, transmission, and structures of the Qur'an

7. Interpreting the Qur'an

8. Four cherished passages

9. The Qur'an on the end of this world and life in the hereafter

10. The Qur'an on woman and women

11. The Qur'an on biblical figures, Jews and Christians

12. The Qur'an on justice and jihad

13. Challenges from the Qur'an

14. Challenges to the Qur'an

15. The Qur'an opened and open

Appendix A. Traditional names and orders of surahs

Appendix B. Biblical figures mentioned in the Qur'an

Appendix C. Glossary of key terms.